Ringworms are a type of skin infection that is caused by a fungus.
The name “ringworm” comes from the characteristic circular rash that it produces.
Cats are especially susceptible to ringworm infections because of their frequent grooming habits.
When a cat licks its fur, the fungus can be ingested and begin to multiply in the gastrointestinal tract.
In severe cases, ringworm can lead to hair loss and inflammation of the skin.
If you suspect that your cat has ringworm, it is important to get it taken care of as soon as possible.
How Much Does It Cost To Treat Ringworm In Cats?
The cost of ringworm treatment will vary depending on the severity of the infection and the size of the affected area.
Treatment typically involves the use of antifungal medication, which can be applied topically or orally.
In severe cases, systemic antifungal medication may be necessary.
The cost of treatment will also depend on whether you choose to treat your cat at home or take them to a veterinarian.
Let’s break down the costs below:
Cost of Ringworm Tests
Three main tests can be done to determine the presence of ringworm in cats.
The first method is a physical examination and entails inspecting the coat of the cat for spots that indicate ringworm infection.
If you are doing this at home, it will not cost you anything. If done by a vet, it will not be priced individually but it will be part of the overall fee.
Another way of diagnosing ringworm is using a blacklight from Wood’s lamp. This test is often referred to as a Wood’s lamp examination.
Wood’s lamps are special lamps that emit UV rays that can make the Microsporum canis strains to glow in a dark room.
This may not be a perfect diagnostic test but studies have shown that it can detect 80% of most fungal infections.
Wood’s lamps cost anything from $30 – $200 depending on the brand. Once you buy one, you can keep it handy to use for all members of the family in the future.
The third, and most definitive test, is a fungal culture. This test can be done by taking a skin swab or clipping a small piece of hair from the affected area and sending it to a lab for analysis.
A fungal culture test costs between $50 and $100. However, this test is best done by a vet because they know how to take the skin swap without hurting the cat.
Veterinary Costs
If you take your cat to the vet, the cost of diagnosing the ringworm infection will most likely be discounted and you will only pay for the treatment.
On average, the cost of diagnosing and treatment of ringworm in cats will be around $100.
However, this is just a ballpark figure and the actual cost will vary depending on the severity of the infection and the treatment options chosen.
Prescription Costs and Other Costs
Once the vet diagnoses ringworm infection in your feline friend, he will most likely prescribe antifungal drugs. These drugs can be in the form of topical creams or pills.
The cost of these drugs will vary depending on the brand and the formulation.
On average, antifungal creams will cost between $10 and $60 and antifungal pills may be in the same range. This means that the complete cost of medication should be under $100.
In addition to the cost of medication, you may also need to purchase some other supplies for the treatment.
For example, if your cat has a severe infection, you may need to shave the affected area to allow the topical cream to penetrate the skin. Shaving equipment can cost anywhere from $5 to $50.
Finally, you will also need to factor in the cost of taking your cat to the vet.
The cost of a vet visit will vary depending on the clinic and the location but it should be around $50 on average.
Useful Tips to Reduce Treatment Costs
The cost of treating ringworm in cats can be significant but there are ways to reduce the expense.
By taking preventive measures and early action, you can keep the costs low.
First, if you have more than one cat, it is best to quarantine the affected cat to prevent the infection from spreading to others.
Secondly, you can try to treat the infection at home with over-the-counter antifungal creams. However, if the infection is severe, it is best to see a vet.
We have a comprehensive post on how to treat ringworms in cats at home. Check it out here: How to Treat Ringworm in Cats without Going to the Vet (15 Strategies)
Finally, you may want to take precautionary measures aimed at preventing ringworm and other fungal infections. For instance, you can invest in a quality shampoo that contains anti-fungal properties.
Related Post: How to Bathe a Cat with Ringworm
Closing Thoughts
The cost of ringworm treatment in cats can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the method of treatment.
In general, the sooner you catch and treat ringworm, the less expensive it will be.
You may want to keep an eye out for signs of ringworm in your cat and take care of it as soon as possible. This will not only save you money but help your cat to have a healthier happier life.
Further Reading:
Petting a Cat with Ringworm: A Quick Guide for new Kitty owners
Hi! I am Eleanor Price. I started this website after my cat, Louie, almost died from a case of botulism (a type of food poisoning often caused by bacteria that grow on food items). Turned out that my cat’s diet was the problem. I have made it my duty to provide the best information and recommendations about everything cat lovers need to know about their felines’ health and wellbeing. My goal is to find the most informative content on anything feline-related and share it with fellow hardworking kitty lovers.